Articles, videos and more to keep your family healthy.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone, including kids and teens. Disruptions to routines, changes at school, and isolation from friends and family can take a toll on kids' mental health. Add in the health challenges and other uncertainties that many families face, and it's easy to understand why children may be feeling overwhelmed.
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Many families are facing major changes in their day-to-day lives because of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). With all the unknowns that come with a new virus, it's normal to feel anxious about the "what ifs" and the future.
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While back-to-school is typically a time of excitement, it's normal for kids to experience some degree of anxiety as a new school year approaches. Younger children may get nervous about leaving their parents, and older children may worry about academics or how they'll fit in with their friends after spending time apart during summer.
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Due to COVID-19, many children are spending more time at home with their parents. During this pandemic, kids have learned about the risks of being around large groups of people. They’ve followed new rules about wearing a mask, hand washing and social distancing. But now, as schools and activities resume, many children – even those who were once excited to go to school – feel intense separation anxiety about leaving their parents’ side.
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When the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first took place, it may have been hard to comprehend the impact. Children and teens may have even felt some excitement about the extra time away from school or for the break in routine.
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As COVID-19 vaccines become available, many people are hopeful that we’re one step closer to ending the pandemic. But there are also many questions about the vaccines, such as how do they work, are they safe and when will they be available for everyone?
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COVID-19 is an ongoing concern for parents. Although more and more people are getting vaccinated, children have not yet been approved for the vaccine. With summer on the horizon and kids looking forward to resuming some normalcy, many parents are wondering whether their child should attend camp this year.
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After a challenging year, many people are hopeful that the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines mean an end is in sight for the pandemic.
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More than 6 million children in the U.S. are affected by seasonal allergies or hay fever, and allergy symptoms can spike when pollen counts are high. But during the pandemic, how can parents tell if their child's sniffle or sore throat is simply pollen-related or if it could be a sign of COVID-19?
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Reports about new strains of the virus that causes COVID‑19 may have you worried or asking questions. What do these variants mean for the pandemic? Are they more dangerous? How can I keep my family healthy?
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The use of e-cigarettes among teens has become a widespread health concern. Around 1 in 5 high school students report vaping, which has been associated with increased risk for infections, breathing problems in teens with asthma and chronic bronchitis.
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Many families rely on summer vacations to see relatives, relax and spend time together. When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread this spring, many people canceled their existing travel plans. However, as states begin to reopen and families try to navigate their "new normal," some are wondering if they can plan any type of vacation in a safe way.
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Sports have looked quite different during the COVID‑19 pandemic – with seasons cut short, games canceled and safety measures implemented to keep athletes safe. As the virus continues to spread, one question might be unclear if an athlete receives a COVID‑19 diagnosis: When can they return to play safely?
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As cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continue to spread, many families are looking for the best ways to stay healthy. One way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a mask over your nose and mouth when around others in public.
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In schools across Texas, all children ages 10 or older are required to wear masks throughout the school day, following the governor's executive order. Many parents have questions about how to clean face masks, how many their children should have on hand and how to get their children to wear face masks and keep them on.
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In the past, your child could go to school, even if their nose was stuffed or runny. But as we continue to live in a world with COVID-19, you might be wondering – is it really a cold? Is it safe for my child to go to school? What if they test positive for COVID-19?
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Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body that are important for bone development and strength.
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Every fall and winter, parents prepare for flu season and take steps to protect their family. This year, COVID-19 is causing unique concerns and questions, including how to tell the difference between the two respiratory illnesses.
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Getting sick is never convenient, but with virtual visit, seeing a health care provider can be. Virtual visits are a quick and easy way to see a health care provider without needing to visit a doctor's office. See six tips to help you have a successful virtual appointment and get the care you or your family member needs.
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Regular physical activity is an important part of overall health, especially for growing children. Being active not only improves a child's physical health, it also offers cognitive and emotional benefits such as improving attention span and mental well-being.
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As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, it’s important to take steps to stay healthy, such as frequently washing hands and practicing social distancing. One important precaution families should take is wearing a face mask in public, especially in situations where social distancing is difficult.
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When cases of COVID-19 first began to spread across the U.S., young athletes had to adjust quickly to online school – and a canceled spring sports season. Now, as schools navigate reopening, athletes are still adjusting and tentatively preparing for a new sports season.
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2020 was a difficult year for many families. Months of navigating social distancing, changes and disappointments have left many people feeling mentally and physically drained.
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The holidays are usually filled with festivities and gatherings with friends and family, but this year, celebrations will look different – especially as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
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Whether through news reports, social media, school communications or from friends, it’s likely your child will hear about the new coronavirus, named Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19. With so much being discovered about this virus, it can be normal for children to have questions or feel anxious about what they’re hearing.
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As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged – and with it, many questions and fears – one comfort for many parents has been that so far, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. There has been more focus on people ages 65 and older, as early data suggests that they are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
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Whenever an athlete takes extended time away from training and play, such as during recovery from a sports injury, it’s important to take steps to safely return to play. Athletes of all ages recently faced a unique situation when spring sports seasons were cut short due to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
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With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), families around the world are facing major changes in their day-to-day lives. Communities are taking actions to stay safe, including practicing social distancing measures, canceling events and temporarily closing schools.
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With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), researchers have been dedicated to learning more about how this new virus spreads, symptoms and possible ways to treat illness. Early data suggest that symptoms of COVID-19 are often respiratory and that children are not at increased risk for severe illness. However, new concerns are being raised about an unusual inflammatory response in children that may be related to coronavirus.
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Cleaning your hands – either with soap and water or by using hand sanitizer – may seem like a small action, but it’s one that can have a significant impact on your health.
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As kids head back to school each year, they are at an increased risk of catching a virus. This year, there's the added fear that children may get COVID-19 while in the classroom if they return to school in-person.
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Ever try to make a work call with children underfoot? No doubt, this has been a common experience as families stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many parents have had their hands full as they try to work, manage household chores and perform the job of homeschool teacher.
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Most of the time, eating at home makes it easier to choose healthy options than eating out. However, if you are home all day without a regular schedule, you may find it hard to resist frequent, unhealthy snacks and more difficult to take time out for a nutritious meal.
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For families around the world, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affecting day-to-day lives in unprecedented ways. In addition to taking simple precautions such as regularly cleaning hands, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that families put distance between themselves and others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In response, many events, businesses and schools are temporarily closing.
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Due to COVID-19, activities and holiday celebrations have been different this year, and Halloween will be no exception. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against some traditional Halloween festivities for 2020. Although this may be disappointing, do not fear. There are other ways your family can safely celebrate Halloween.
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This school year, parents face a big decision – send their child to school in-person or let them learn at home. Some parents are choosing a third option: learning pods.
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While COVID-19 continues to spread, parents across the country face an incredibly hard decision: Should children go back to school online? Or in-person?
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While many people think of adults as the ones mainly impacted by COVID-19, children can be affected, too – and may need testing. With the enormous amount of anxiety surrounding COVID-19, kids may feel especially nervous about being tested.
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As cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread, many families are taking steps to stay healthy such as staying home as much as possible. While social distancing is an important part of preventing the spread of COVID-19, delaying essential trips like medical appointments can come with its own set of risks.
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Summer is typically a time of fun and relaxation for children and teens – offering a break from school and long days filled with swimming, cookouts, travel and time with friends. This summer, however, poses unique challenges and risks as cases of COVID-19 continue to spread and many families wonder how to navigate summer plans during a pandemic.
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Over the summer, without classmates or schoolwork, many children find themselves a little bored. This year, when children have already been out of school for so long and may not be able to enjoy summer camps, vacations or their regular activities, boredom may be even worse.
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As summer begins and many states relax social distancing guidelines, you may be wondering if you can start setting up playdates for your children again. They may be wondering, too, and asking when they can see their friends.
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The uncertainty we’re experiencing during the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be overwhelming for all children, but this time can be particularly challenging for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
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At-home learning, also known as online learning, is how some schools are continuing to provide for students' educational needs from a distance. Schools offering this option are using a variety of online tools for your child's education. Make sure you are reading all your child's school communications to ensure you have access to and are using the right tools. Remember, even a high-achieving student may need some parental guidance while learning virtually.
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If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has probably stirred up all kinds of emotions. Maybe you are asking yourself questions.
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Spring cleaning has long been a trend but sparkling clean counters and disinfected doorknobs have never been more important than they are right now. That's because one recommended precaution to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
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Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of viruses that can infect both humans and animals. There are several types of coronaviruses that can infect humans. Some coronaviruses are common and cause mild cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, headache and cough. Other types of coronaviruses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV, have caused more severe illnesses when outbreaks occurred.
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Wearing a face mask is vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the practice may cause acne for some. Many teens and young adults find that masks make their acne worse – or even give them acne for the first time. This mask-related acne, called "maskne," can make wearing a mask uncomfortable and irritating.